Largest hunger-relief investment in Foundation history includes $1.3 million for New Jersey as part of a $5 million regional initiative supporting nearly 150 organizations
HOLMDEL, N.J., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy Foundation is making its largest investment in hunger relief to date, awarding $1.3 million to 25 New Jersey food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month. The grants are part of a $5 million initiative supporting nearly 150 hunger-relief organizations across six states and the District of Columbia, helping stock local shelves and keeping meals on tables in households facing food insecurity.
The funding is expected to provide more than 3.8 million meals for families and neighbors across the Garden State, helping food banks and pantries meet growing demand in communities served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).
Funding Organizations on the Front Lines of Hunger Relief
National Hunger Action Month, observed each September, raises awareness of food insecurity and encourages volunteerism, advocacy and charitable giving to help address hunger in local communities. Despite ongoing efforts by food banks and nonprofit organizations, food insecurity remains a significant challenge across the country and in New Jersey.
Feeding America estimates that more than 1.2 million New Jerseyans, or 13% of the population, experienced food insecurity in 2024, including approximately one out of every six children. Across the state, food banks and pantries continue to play a critical role in helping families access nutritious meals as they navigate ongoing economic pressures.
Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President of New Jersey: "No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, especially in a state nicknamed the Garden State. People across New Jersey are feeling real pressure right now. Costs are going up, and food is one more thing stretching household budgets. Food banks and pantries are working every day to meet growing needs, but they can't do it alone. This investment will help provide more than 3.8 million meals for New Jersey families, seniors and children while strengthening the organizations on the front lines of hunger relief. We're proud to support their work and to stand beside them through volunteer service in the communities we call home."
Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director, Project Self-Sufficiency: "The FirstEnergy Foundation has provided invaluable support to Project Self-Sufficiency and the low-income families and individuals we serve. As the need grows, they have been right by our side. Together, we are making a transformational impact on hunger."
Supporting 25 Hunger-Relief Organizations Across New Jersey
Building on last year's initiative, the Foundation expanded its New Jersey support to 25 organizations in 2026, including three first-time recipients, and increased investments in several of the state's largest food banks, pantries and hunger-relief partners.
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 were provided to the following organizations:
- A Need We Feed* - Serving Ocean County
- Bradley Food Pantry - Serving coastal Monmouth County
- Community FoodBank of New Jersey - Serving Essex, Morris, Passaic and Union Counties
- Feeding Middlesex County - Serving Middlesex County
- Food Bank Network of Somerset County - Serving Somerset County
- Freehold Area Open Door* - Serving central Monmouth County
- Fulfill - Serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties
- Hands of Hope for the Community - Serving Middlesex County
- The Helping Hand Food Pantry* - Serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties
- Hope House Food Pantry - Serving Morris County
- Interfaith Food Pantry Network - Serving Morris County
- Interfaith Neighbors - Serving coastal and southern Monmouth County
- Jersey Shore Dream Center - Serving coastal Monmouth County
- Lacey Township Food Bank - Serving Ocean County
- Lunch Break - Serving northern and coastal Monmouth County
- Mercy Center - Serving coastal and southern Monmouth County
- N.J. Rise - Serving Mercer County
- Nourish Asbury Food Pantry operated by Jewish Family & Children's Service of Monmouth County - Serving coastal Monmouth County
- nourish.NJ - Serving Morris County
- Norwescap - Serving Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren Counties
- Project Self-Sufficiency - Serving Sussex County
- Salvation Army Dover Corps - Serving Morris County
- Somebody C.A.R.E.S. - Serving Ocean County
- Table of Hope - Serving Morris County
- Trinity Center For Community - Serving Monmouth County
* First-time recipients of a FirstEnergy Foundation Hunger Action Month grant.
Employee Volunteers Help Food Banks Stretch Resources
In addition to the financial support provided by the FirstEnergy Foundation, JCP&L employees regularly volunteer their time to work at food banks, pantries and other nonprofit organizations across New Jersey. Through the company's Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, employees provide hands-on support that helps organizations serve more families while reducing operating costs.
In 2025, employees contributed approximately 28,500 volunteer hours across FirstEnergy's service territory, including thousands of hours supporting hunger-relief organizations. Based on the 2025 national value of a volunteer hour of $36.14, those efforts represent more than $1 million in additional community support.
Media Resources
Photos and video from Hunger Action Month grant presentations, volunteer events and community partnerships will be added throughout September and made available on Flickr.
About FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations across FirstEnergy's operational area, helping them build capacity, strengthen outcomes and deliver lasting impact. Giving priorities include housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development and STEM initiatives that reflect community needs and the company's strategic focus. Combined with the Hunger Action Month grants, the Foundation has distributed nearly $6.5 million in community support across FirstEnergy's operational area to date in 2026.
About FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com.
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